Nancy Atkinson OBE: pioneer bacteriologist at the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science & University of Adelaide.

Dr McEwin introduced Nancy Atkinson as a gifted student and University of Melbourne graduate who was appointed Lecturer in Bacteriology at the University of Adelaide in 1939 and Reader in 1950. She was also appointed Bacteriologist at the (new) Institute of Medical Veterinary Science in 1942, concurrently with the University posting. Selected career highlights included in research on salmonellae, development of the Salmonella Reference Laboratory, industrial microbiology, and investigation of native plants and fungi for antibacterial properties: she was the first person in SA to produce penicillin. She lectured science, agricultural science, medical and dental students, and involved in the establishment of industrial (applied) microbiology courses. In 1961, she was given a personal Readership in Industrial Microbiology. Nationally, Atkinson was instrumental in establishing the Australian Society for Microbiology. Nancy Atkinson was awarded an OBE in 1951 and Doctor of Science degree in 1957 for work on antibiotics and salmonellae.